'Deadpool 2' release date news, spoilers: Sequel nabs 'John Wick' director; Ryan Reynolds comments on Tim Miller's exit

Following the exit of "Deadpool" director Tim Miller from the upcoming sequel, it appears that a new director has been hired to take his place.

"John Wick" co-director David Leitch has closed a deal to helm the highly anticipated sequel to the 2016 blockbuster hit "Deadpool," The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Leitch made his directorial debut in 2014 with "John Wick," which he co-directed with Chad Stahelski. He gained a following after the Keanu Reeves-starrer was released. Apart from "Deadpool 2," Leitch is also working on the 2017 film "The Coldest City" and is producing the sequel to "John Wick," which Stahelski is directing. Aside from his directorial work, Leitch is also an actor, stunt coordinator, stuntman, producer and writer.

"Deadpool 2" marks a reunion between Leitch and Reynolds after "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009), in which the former worked as an action coordinator and the latter debuted as Deadpool.

Reports that Leitch was among those considered to helm the second "Deadpool" film first broke in October following the departure of Miller. Miller's surprise exit from "Deadpool 2" was reportedly caused by "creative differences" with "Deadpool" star and producer Ryan Reynolds.

Following Miller's departure, composer Tom Holkenborg, aka Junkie XL, announced that he was leaving the project as well, as he couldn't imagine scoring the upcoming sequel without Miller. In a Facebook post, Holkenborg wrote that the prospect of working on "Deadpool 2" just did not sit right with him and while walking away was difficult, it also felt like the right thing to do.

Reynolds finally spoke about Miller's sudden exit from "Deadpool 2" in a recent interview with GQ, saying, "All I can really add is that I'm sad to see him off the film. Tim's brilliant and nobody worked harder on 'Deadpool' than he did."

While the statement didn't shed light on the reason behind Miller's departure, it confirmed the reports that Reynolds and Miller parted ways amicably.

"Deadpool 2" is rumored for a January 2018 release.